1 [Report This]Date: June 25, 2020 06:56 pm Title: Bound for Another Home
"Maybe I just wanted you." RIP me. Wear your mourning dresses for two years in my honor because that line killed me dead.
This whole chapter... ugh, how are you so good? Never stop writing fanfic, but also - why aren't you doing this professionally?
The candle wax. Jesus Christ.
I didn't want to get my hopes up for a "help me undress" moment, so I'll just say I wasn't mad when there it was.
"My mother was very, very wrong." Okay fine - the mourning period has now doubled to four years because I'm dead all over again.
Author's Response:
Oh, Coley. I know I mentioned it in the chat but your review made me laugh. Thank you SO much for your kind words. I would love to write professionally someday (fingers crossed) but these two are the first stories I've ever written so I no doubt have a long way to go.
Thanks for the review! :)
1 [Report This]Date: June 25, 2020 04:21 pm Title: Bound for Another Home
Yeah, so that's an intense way to start out this chapter. Especially after I watched that YouTube clip you put in there. War is hell and its effects are so very long lasting. I think you describe it all very well, even if it's somewhat heartbreaking to envision.
As if we need any further evidence of how awful Roy is, there he goes being even worse. Thank goodness for Ms. Rebecca and her timing. Given that new information, yes I could easily see that Roy could have started the fire. Also makes sense as to why he didn't show up until the house was gutted. Other than him being the coward that he is. Also makes sense why Pam didn't want anything to do with him afterwards.
I'm so very impressed with the way you're writing Pam. I agree with James, Queen Victoria and her propriety be damned, this Pam is more than just a pretty face. It gives a lot more depth to her character. I absolutely love that she has that steel in her spine. Methinks she'll need it once they finally get to Philadelphia and they have to deal with the outcome of James not only breaking his engagement, but coming home with a wife.
Ok, now shall we talk about that bedroom scene? I mean holy smokes. Everything leading up to it as well as how you wrote it all. Just amazing. Not only is their first night together like that so beautiful to imagine it's also such a great counter point to the beginning of this chapter. I know I've said this before, but I do truly love how James is portrayed here. A man of character and integrity. He's so loving and tender with her. Clearly she's nervous about everything. That he takes his time with her the way he does is just wonderful to read. Their connection is just so strong. Yeah, great scene there.
Author's Response:
Thank you so much, Warrior.
Yes, Philadelphia might get a bit interesting and Pam will certainly need her toughness. ;)
I love James too. There is a bit more freedom in a pre-show complete AU like this in that I can shape them based on different experiences than the ones on the show.
Thanks as always!
1 [Report This]Date: June 14, 2020 08:25 am Title: Memory Believes Before Knowing Remembers
The whole opening scene with Roy was so tense and I wonder if we’ve seen the last of him...
I loved Bob Vance coming in as a no-nonsense, well respected military man! Such a great touch.
And then the slow burn with the kisses and touches and undressing—be still my heart!! So good! Can’t wait for this one to continue.
Author's Response: Thank you so much, BT!
1 [Report This]Date: June 10, 2020 05:32 am Title: Memory Believes Before Knowing Remembers
This is very, very good! I started reading yesterday and kept getting interrupted. Finally finished and all I can say is, more please! So many details, and the characters are excellent.
Author's Response: Thank you so much, Sprinkles! I'm thrilled you are enjoying it. Thank you for reading and taking the time to review. :)
Date: June 09, 2020 04:46 am Title: Memory Believes Before Knowing Remembers
THE TENSION IS SO GOOD. Great chapter, as always. Love Bob Vance's appearance and that Roy's part wasn't drawn out more. Onward! The wedding part was so sweet, I cannot wait for them to get to Philly and meet his family. Love this!
Author's Response: Thank you! Yeah, Roy is dead weight and I'm glad to be rid of him. ;) It is pretty fun writing these two discovering each other in this time period. Thanks for the kind review!
1 [Report This]Date: June 08, 2020 03:14 pm Title: Memory Believes Before Knowing Remembers
Love this story. For some reason, I had missed chapter 3. I’m all caught up now and I’m loving it even more. Keep the chapters coming
Many jellybeans
Author's Response: Thank you, Merria! I'm glad you've caught up and thanks for your kind review!
Date: June 08, 2020 11:55 am Title: Memory Believes Before Knowing Remembers
What a wonderful update! Continuing pace well and such a gentle version of James and Pamela. You've done such a great job of translating these characters to this era, it's such a pleasure to read.
Author's Response: Thank you so much! It has been sort of fun writing these two discovering each other in this timeframe. Thanks for reading!
1 [Report This]Date: June 08, 2020 03:00 am Title: Memory Believes Before Knowing Remembers
Wow. The link to young James defending a friend, threading through his time in the war, to facing Roy was masterfully done. Seriously wonderful setting of the scene. You do it so well. It flows, nothing feels thrown in, it all weaves together so very well.
Oooh, Mr Vance indeed.
How a wedding has that much unresolved sexual tension is beyond me. The longing. My god, the longing. So. Much. Tension.
Ahh. They’re adorable. The whole exchange with their names was a delight.
The way they are with each other is just perfect. The blend of nervousness, trust and anticipation feels so very palpable. I hope all the drunks leave them be...
Author's Response:
Thank you Jenna! I'm glad that worked with the call back to his childhood. I wanted it to be a little insight into his character and why he has made the choices he has.
Thankfully, they won't be at the roadhouse long but it is still a long way until Philly. ;) Thank you so much for reviewing!
1 [Report This]Date: June 07, 2020 10:44 pm Title: Memory Believes Before Knowing Remembers
Oh, I so in love with this story! I'm going to use the word 'love' a lot, but hopefully, it won't lose its meaning.
Okay. So.
The scene with Roy was impressive. The intervention of Colonel Vance was so well-timed (and the fact that there was real Vance only made it more awesome!), though I don't think I'd mind if Roy received a couple of good punches. Or a bullet. Um, no, not a bullet, James might be in trouble then... And I love, love, love fearless Pamela who went outside to send Roy away!
The wedding was... would it be a sacrilege to say that I don't like the show wedding as much as I should? I prefer your version so much more! James and Pamela's reactions made me feel giddy and put an enormous smile on my face because it was so, so good!
The goodbye scene is hard. I have a feeling that Beesly women won't meet again, and all they'll have will be rare letters. I hope I'm mistaken. I'd linger on that feeling of loss and farewell more, but then the second kiss happened, and wow, why did I feel so hot all of a sudden? I have no doubts that Pamela would be the death of James. Can't wait for it!
This chapter made me happy, though, at the same time, it left me restless. I don't like the looks Pamela received, and the absence of lock scared me, but I keep my fingers crossed and just hope that they'll leave that... um... place safe and sound. I don't know for sure, of course, but I beg you to keep writing and put me out of my misery!
And, to end on a light note — I love the way you add the canon things in your story! The perfect explanation of Jim's habit to keep his hands in pockets. Pam's 'me too' made me aww. And, of course, Pamela's hair down and James' reaction on it. It was so... erotic. Just wow.
I probably messed with tenses in this review much, but I'm excited and too eager to express my feelings right now, so I didn't check them much. Hope it isn't too horrible :)
Author's Response:
Thank you so much, Dernhelm! Your commentary always makes me smile. Please don't ever apologize for the grammar of your review. As someone who lives in a foreign country, I have the upmost respect for those who write in another language! I can barely muddle through my German or French conversations here at the grocery store and you write stories. So impressive!
Anyway, I'm so thrilled you enjoyed this chapter. It is fun writing them just getting to discover each other in this setting. Also, don't lose hope in seeing the Beesly women again. You never know! ;)
Thank you so much!
1 [Report This]Date: June 07, 2020 08:34 pm Title: Memory Believes Before Knowing Remembers
I love this story so much. The descriptions are creating such an amazing visual. James is gentle and kind here while Pam is so sweet. The ending with them in bed together is heartwarming. They're so nervous and James is protecting her. Ugh, adorable all around and a lot of build up. I've been on my toes waiting for this update and it was well worth it!
Author's Response: Thank you, Beth! It's kind of fun writing them from this angle and discovering each other in this setting.
1 [Report This]Date: June 07, 2020 08:22 pm Title: Memory Believes Before Knowing Remembers
I love this story so much. The bit of backstory there at the beginning added a lot of depth to James' character. The fact he had deeper motivations to join the Army besides just patriotism gives a really good insight to his character. Likewise it also sets him up nicely to be willing to take on four mounted men with just a pistol. Though didn't Colonels, especially cavalry Colonels also rate a saber as standard issue? Maybe he forgot it at his last duty posting or didn't think he'd need need it when for the escort mission that brought him to North Carolina.
I have no doubt that had Roy made one move more, James would have pulled that trigger. The timely intervention of Col. Vance seemed most fortunate. Something also tells me we may not have seen the last of Roy.
Speaking of Roy, great irony there. Drunk Roy accusing Jim, a decorated combat veteran, of being a yellow coward, when Roy stayed at home away from the front lines.
Also interesting that Pam saw that exchange too. The quality of her two suitors on full display, with a well regarded witness no less. Yeah, not a very hard choice there.
The wedding and journey north is also quite interesting. Considering the remembrances of battle in the early chapters, the softness of Pam next to James seems to be countering that. I do love that image. From what we've learned of James' service, and his willingness to indulge in whiskey, having the calm stabilizing presence of Pam nearby is a wonderful counterpoint to all that.
I also love how tender he is with her. As you clearly point out, he has every right to treat her as he will. I'm sure the thought of her wedding night to Roy was not a pleasant thought to Pam. I've got to think that regardless of how James has acted thus far, she has some of the same concerns with him as well. That he is tender, patient, and mostly asks permission with her I'm sure is a huge sense of relief. Though from other descriptions, she also has a fire building about her in regards to James. I'm sure that it'll burn quite hot when the opportunity arises.
Great chapter. Can't wait for the next update.
Author's Response:
Thank you Warrior! It is true, Cavalry officers would have had their sabers on them at all times when in uniform but I've kind of let James relax here a bit outside of his official mission that brought him to NC. When he's in town or when he's traveling with Pam he's not dressed out in full uniform, as was often the case. In more formal situations, like dinner at the Morgans or his wedding he would have been in full uniform with his saber and the maroon sash field grade officers wore, like Dress Blues are today. (This is all according to my own Lt. Col hubby, who is like my personal Civil War dictionary. ;D )
I like that you picked up on James' drinking habits before he met her. That may very well come into play later. Thank you for your thoughtful review!
1 [Report This]Date: June 07, 2020 06:56 pm Title: Memory Believes Before Knowing Remembers
Glad to see Roy get his comeuppance at the hands of Jim and Bob Vance. Also good to see them homeward bound, although that bar sounds real seedy.
Looking forward to seeing if they die of dysentery along the way!
Author's Response: Hopefully they won't have a full 'Oregon Trail' experience on their journey. :) And yeah, Roy is a jerk.
1 [Report This]Date: May 29, 2020 08:12 am Title: Any Other Name
Omg I’m on pins and needles at the end of this chapter! Ahh!
Also, one of the reasons I love historical AUs or romances or what have you is because I could never write it well or sound like I know what I’m talking about, and you have their voices down so perfectly! I see the Jim and Pam we know in this new time and setting while staying true to what would have been right or “proper” in post-civil war America. So good! Can’t wait for the next chapter!
Author's Response: Thank you so much, BT! I don't think I realized how much background research I would have to do for this when I started with this endeavor. Thanks for taking the time to review!
1 [Report This]Date: May 18, 2020 06:37 pm Title: Any Other Name
You have some of the very best opening paragraphs I have read! I was immediately drawn into this chapter, unable to look up until I reached the end.
And the ending?! I hope you have the next chapter ready. I thought this was looking a little too easy for James. But I have faith. Look out, Mr. Anderson. James Halpert is about to attack you with the North.
Thanks for writing!
Author's Response: Thank you so much, HC!
1 [Report This]Date: May 18, 2020 03:02 am Title: Any Other Name
“I…can’t.” Rip my heart out and stomp on it in a new context why don’t you...
“And now?”
“I choose you.” This is TOO good. I just. I have no words. It’s perfect.
She said yes. It’s fine. I’m fine.
“With her nod, he tapped the door frame nervously and said his goodbye.” Despite the very different world they’re in here, they’re still so very Jim & Pam. This has strong “it’s a date” vibes and I am living.
It’s such a great inclusion that Jim is to take over his father’s newspaper - Jim running a paper is very Dunder Mifflin.
Ooooh and now we’re getting a Cocktails/The Negotiation moment. Where is Dwight with a can of pepper spray when you need him?!
Author's Response: I love your commentary, it always makes me smile. I was hoping someone would catch the little details I tried to put in from the show. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts!
1 [Report This]Date: May 17, 2020 09:20 pm Title: Any Other Name
Very good for Jim to be doing as much of the honorable things as he can. I'm very much enjoying the quality of Col. Halpert here. This is a Jim who's not scared off easily and I love that.
Nice touch with the line from Casino Night. Very fitting for the period as well.
I didn't think Roy would take this lying down. However he also has a posse now. But Jim has an Army issue revolver and in the hands of a skillful marksman, those are powerful weapons.
Really looking forward to the next update on this. You're just amazing at setting the scenes and conjuring up all sorts of great images.
Author's Response: Thanks, warrior, so very much! Yes, I would like to think this is who Jim would be having faced what he’s had to face and the upbringing he had. Thank you!
1 [Report This]Date: May 17, 2020 09:17 pm Title: Any Other Name
Uh oh, they've got themselves a posse!
For some reason that ending has got Big Iron stuck in my head, so thanks for that.
Another very enjoyable chapter, I'm sure Jim's luck upon arriving in Philly will be complicated,but I'm glad to see Pam is agreeing to go along with this,it warms my heart!
Keep up the good work, looking forward to see how Jim defuses or dispatches the posse.
Author's Response:
“For some reason that ending has got Big Iron stuck in my head, so thanks for that.“ —that literally made me laugh.
Thanks for the comments and I’m glad you are liking it!
Date: May 17, 2020 08:52 pm Title: Any Other Name
Liking the pace, looking forward to the journey away from drunken Mr. Anderson.
Author's Response: Yes, thankfully he will be left behind indeed. Thanks!
1 [Report This]Date: May 17, 2020 07:58 pm Title: Any Other Name
I can't complement you enough for your writing. It paints such a picture. I didn't want this to end and then when it did, it was a cliffhanger! It was so great though, that I had a smile on my face by the end of it. Roy is the worst and Jim is like a knight in shining armor in this saving Pam from Roy.
Author's Response: Beth you are so kind, thank you! Roy is definitely the worst. :)
1 [Report This]Date: May 17, 2020 07:27 pm Title: Any Other Name
I had no idea how my week would start, but here I am, bouncing with excitement at 5 a.m. Not a bad morning!
I love, I love, I love it! If course, James would be scared and I had a minor heart attack when the blue silk was mentioned. But then... excuse me, I need to jump around my apartment once more time :)
Oh, and I squeaked from delight every time when I noticed all these little show references. My favourite, without doubts, the door tapping :)
Once again I'm crushed with cliffhanger, but wow... take all the time you need, but please, please, please, write more!
Author's Response: Aww, your comments made me smile and I’m thrilled you are enjoying it! It is fun trying to find ways to work those little details in. Thank you!
1 [Report This]Date: May 09, 2020 03:46 pm Title: Like a Songbird That Has Fallen
THIS IS AMAZING OH MY HEAVENS I don't know how you can make the setting feel not at all out of place, so real, and yet preserve the Jim-Pam relationship. This is so good.
Author's Response: Thank you so much! I really enjoy historical AUs so I’m looking forward to writing these two in this very interesting time period. Thanks for taking the time to review!
Date: May 08, 2020 03:21 am Title: Like a Songbird That Has Fallen
Really good, as always. Didn't want it to end. Writing and storytelling is so good. I love where you ended it too. Such a tease! I cannot wait for more of this and your other fic, as always!
Author's Response: Thank you so much Bayjb! I couldn't resist ending it with that line. ;)
1 [Report This]Date: May 07, 2020 11:55 pm Title: Like a Songbird That Has Fallen
'You saw her beauty, but not the iron underneath.'
It was said about another heroine, but gosh, that's that I thought when I read about this Miss Beesly. Just amazing. Can't wait to see what happens next!
And I love your writing and admire all the researches you've made. Thank you so much for this story!
Author's Response: Oooh, that quote fits her perfectly. Thank you so much for your kind words!
1 [Report This]Date: May 07, 2020 11:10 pm Title: Like a Songbird That Has Fallen
I just... Words escape me. Feels. All the feels! This was an incredible chapter. So very emotive. The way you describe things is just so powerful. From Jim’s stay in hospital to the way Pam feels under his hands when he steadies her. You tell a story so beautifully.
I love that Jim is so inexplicably drawn to her... I hope his rather rash, but inevitable, proposal pays off...
Author's Response: Aww, thank you so much! One of the things about writing this time period is the subtlety and restraint and it's sort of fun writing that between them. Although, all bets are off once they're married. ;)
1 [Report This]Date: May 07, 2020 08:44 pm Title: Like a Songbird That Has Fallen
Hooray for some thrilling heroics on Jim's part. Loved that he just sprang into action like that. Great way to see him behave. Shows his caliber and character really well.
Roy continues to be a complete jerk. Having Jim so unafraid of staring him down is such a great diversion from what we see in canon. I really like seeing Jim standing up to Roy and standing up for Pam like that.
Speaking of Pam, she's no pushover here either. What with her getting away from Roy as much as she was. Now granted she's constrained by the societal pressures of the time, but I really like the spunk I see from her.
Jim's right of course. The smell of burnt human flesh is not something one ever forgets if they're exposed to it. It tends to linger. Vivid scene there about Jim's recovery from that wound. He's very lucky to have survived that infection. Most didn't back in the day.
Really liking the dynamics you've got between Jim and Pam. It's very sweet to behold. That cliffhanger though is a beast. Please don't leave us hanging to long. I'm really loving this story and can't wait to read the next chapter.
Author's Response:
YES. It always bugged me that he didn't stand up to him in canon. I wanted to give Pam a little sass. Jim being around brings out that in her I think.
Thank you, warrior!